Family Visit - part 1

My brother, sister-in-law and their three boys came and spent about 3 weeks with us and it was amazing to have them stay.  We stayed very busy together while they were here and had a grand time just hanging out together.  For a better more comprehensive recap - please visit their travel blog here.  

The boys (minus baby)

Christopher Aaron & Christian Aaron - The Meet

The first week they were here was filled with doing stuff in Vienna. 

Getting around town, we sort of stuck out.  

Our Troup

 We went to Schonbrunn Palace and split up.  Some of us touring the Palace and some going to the Zoo.

Our 16-year old nephew, Sam

I've been here a number of times, but this was the first that I saw the roses in bloom.

it cracks me up at how unimpressed kids are with places like this

much more impressed with the zoo...

and the water toys 

I love that Calvin immediately took to them.  We talk often and Skype periodically, but he still doesn't have memories of them from when he was younger.  Calvin would call Aunt Charlotte "Other Mommy". 

Chris & I at one of the many palace fountains

Another thing we did fairly regularly was go to the doctor and/or hospital.  I think we made 4 different doctor visits in their 3 weeks here.  The first one was to the main hospital here in Vienna.  It was a Sunday so not much else was open.  Chris has a staph infection on his forehead that thankfully oral medicine was able to take care of. 

Thankfully they had a Starbucks on site where we awaited blood work results.  Honestly, despite the circumstances, it was great to sit and catch up with my big brother one-on-one.  :)